What is Dynamic Application Security Testing? Why it is Important?

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is the process to analyze a web application for finding possible security vulnerabilities. In this testing approach, DAST scanner attacks the web application from outside and evaluates the result to find and analyze the output that is not part of the expected result set. The intent to perform DAST is to search for the weaknesses that attackers may try to exploit in the application. Upon identifying DAST attack, the solution sends automated alerts to the concerned teams to enable them to prioritize, manage, and remediate the application. Application testing is one of the most challenging security processes of the application development life cycle. DAST also helps with PCI compliance and various kinds of regulatory reporting. In addition, a DAST solution can also assist developers to find out configuration errors or spot inconsistencies in user experience.

Why is DAST Important?

With DAST, Application owner does not have to rely completely on developer’s knowledge during application development. It enables catching vulnerabilities before deploying an application to the public. Without Dynamic Application Security Testing, the application can lead to a data breach, which can further result in financial loss and can cause damage to brand reputation.

How Does DAST Works?

DAST scanner searches and identifies vulnerabilities in the running application. If it finds any discrepancies that allow for various attacks such as Cross-Site Scripting, SQL Injections, etc., it starts sending automated alerts. The sooner the vulnerabilities are identified during the SDLC, the cheaper it is to remediate the problem. DAST tools are programmed to work in a dynamic environment, so they can identify runtime flaws that other testing tools cannot detect. DAST approach depends upon a centralized registry of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure (CVE) and Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) to cross-check and authenticate the severity of vulnerable points.

Tips for Dynamic Application Security Testing

Tips below can help your business gain the most out of the DAST approach.

• Implement DAST Early in Application Development Cycle – Businesses that do not deploy DAST at the early phase of the application design life cycle end up spending unnecessarily in terms of money and time. Finding security issues at an early phase enables businesses to drive maximum benefits from the DAST solution as it helps to find potential weaknesses right in the beginning.

• DAST Works Best in Collaboration with Web Application Security Testing – Dynamic Application Security Testing gives security teams a comprehensive insight into the functional behavior of the web application. Businesses often implement web application security testing to spot vulnerabilities in the application’s source code, which is critical during the early phases of the software development life cycle.

• Works Effectively in Partnership with DevOps – DAST tools allow prioritizing security vulnerabilities being discovered during the testing phase. However, discussions with DevOps teams helps businesses in identifying appropriate resolution. Integrating DAST tools with a bug-tracking system can help DevOps teams prioritize security issues and bring business closer to DevSecOps culture.

Conclusion

DAST tools are becoming an important component of SDLC as they help organizations and security teams in improving application security. This is achieved by replicating and remediating runtime attacks before they occur. Security teams combine SAST and DAST for continuous testing that aligns efficiently with DevOps objectives. Qualtech offers comprehensive security assessment solutions to ensure that all the transactions on your application are logged appropriately with integrity controls.